Health and Fitness

Various Factors Which Can Cause Gum Disease

on

There are estimates that almost 50% of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of periodontal disease. The older we get, the more it can affect us. Many factors can cause gum disease, and if left untreated, they can lead to receding gums and the loss of teeth. Below, we discuss some of the leading causes of gum disease that you will want to look for to help preserve your teeth and gums’ health and help you keep your winning smile.

Poor Oral Hygiene

One of the most common reasons people develop gum disease is poor oral hygiene habits. Having an excellent oral hygiene routine is the best way of preventing gum disease, and your oral hygiene routine should include:  

  • Brushing your teeth after every meal
  • If you cannot brush after eating, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water
  • Flossing your teeth daily
  • Visit your dentist every six months
  • Visit the dental hygienist every six months
  • Reduce the sugary foods & drinks you consume

Ensuring that you take excellent care of your teeth can help prevent gum disease and other problems with your teeth and gums. You can find out more about what an ideal oral hygiene routine consists of by checking out some helpful references online.

A Crowded Mouth

An overcrowded mouth can also lead to gum disease. Your dentist will want you to address it as quickly as possible. You may have trouble cleaning your teeth fully when your teeth are crowded in your mouth, and plaque and tartar can build up, leading to gum disease. You will want to seek advice from your dentist and see what they advise regards treatment, which may require you to wear braces or a retainer to try and straighten and align the teeth in your mouth. If this is a problem you suffer from, the North Shore dentists based in Northbridge can assist you with this and help fix the problem. If you’re not in Australia, worry not as there are trusted dentists in your local area. All you have to do is to search it on Google or ask your friends and family for recommendations.

Smoking

Another significant cause of gum disease in adults is smoking, and there are many reasons to give up this habit. When you smoke, it can stop the cells in the gum from functioning correctly and can also increase the plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and gums. If you are a smoker, you will want to give up the habit for the sake of your overall health and the health of your teeth and gums. Quitting smoking will not only improve your overall health, but it will also save you money and stop you from smelling like an ashtray. 

Prescription Medicines

Prescription medicines are another significant cause of gum disease in adults, and these can affect things such as the saliva production in your mouth. When your mouth is constantly dry, it can increase the rate that bacteria grow in your mouth and lead to gum disease. You often find that the side effects of chemotherapy treatments can cause a dry mouth. If you are on medication that has a side effect of a dry mouth, speak to your local dentist and they can help you resolve the issue and prevent gum disease from forming.